Deborah's Comments

I'll probably run outside as much as possible. Here to VIrginia, out again at M oorehed City, then back in again in Jacksonvile or St. Augustine. I know what you mean about that temperatuyre drop. RIght after labor day. I'm reallylooking forward to going where it's warm all the time.

Sent an email to my y.c. board which is in E.Greenwich inquiring about bookstore there. The one in Wickford is I believe on Rt. 1 (Post Road) N. Kingston even tho called Wickford marine consign. Happy hunting! Terri

Newport has Armchair sailor, which is great (new, plus charts etc) Wickford has Wickford consignment which has used books/charts and everything else under the sun...a fav. of mine. Not aware of the bookstore in EG, would be interested in knowing. Also Bearly Read Books in Sudbury, Ma. ( Rt. 20) has an awesome maritime used book section. ,

still learning, studying, and researching, the decision doesn't need to be made real soon fortunately. I am leaning to monohull due to initial expense eating up too much of my retirement funds. need to hit the lottery.

Hi Deborah,

I left Annapolis in early Dec and sailed to Marathon, Fl - some inside and some outside. This was the initial shake-down cruise so I had some things to fix in Marathon. I left Marathon in early March and spent some time in the Bahamas before returning to Oriental, NC. Walden is now on the hard for "improvements" and I'm in Bermuda helping Franc and Andrea get Can Drac to the Azores. The Caribbean is on my calendar for next Falll.

Bill

Deborah,
Antigua is certainly different from other Caribbean islands, in that it's not overrun with tourists, except during the race weeks. Although sailors aren't your typical tourists. Since it was my first time there, i can't really compare it to previous years, but i did find out that overall numbers were down a bit, so i guess the parties weren't as crazy as usual. They were however, loud and long. I'm not a big drinker, so i did not partake as others i witnesses, did. Those racers work hard out there on the boats and I guess they deserve to let off steam back ashore at the parties.
Overall, i found the island a safe, interesting and pretty place to visit. The locals offered friendly smiles and great BBQ! We met with the Exec Director of the Chamber of Commerce and the new Minister of Tourism and they both felt as though Antigua could be doing more to attract cruisers as well as racers. We'll be working with them to that end.
You can read my article in Blue Water Sailing Magazine (Get 2 Free copies when you subscribe online! - www.bwsailing.com) in the July issue.
BTW, I didn't get to try the Gelato! Next time.

Hi Deborah, I have friends that have a condo in St Thomas, as a matter of fact they are there living right now. I guess they are comming back up north next month. his name is John Beavis, he is a captain and is working for some launch service that have glass bottom boats and they take tourists from the cruise ships back and forth. He said that their isn't much work around their this year. The weather and currents have been bad and not many cruise ships. His condo is right on the ocean and has been their for about five years.

was in St. Maarten last winter, and spent April-May at Sapphire Beach Marina before heading back to Newport...loved it, but wanted to head back to Key Biscayne this winter, since I have a cheap mooring there. Will be back in Newport next summer...come for a sail if you're in Florida this winter or Newport next summer.

Deborah,
I have been to the BVI/USVI several times. My brother used to live in Red Hook - a long time ago. I have never been to Antigua, but I have been to many of the usual spots in the Caribbean. Went to Bequia and Mustique on one of the last trips – nice. I generally travel for business but I usually try to throw some fun in too.

Rick

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